Civil War Appointment to Captain signed by Governor - New York 1861

Civil War Appointment to Captain from the State of New York issued in 1861. This historic document was printed by Danforth, Wright & Company Banknote Company and has an ornate border around it with a vignette of an eagle flanked by two allegorical women and Lady Liberty. This item has the signatures of the State of New York's Governor, Edwin D. Morgan and Adjutant General, D. Campbell and is over 147 years old. Some wear on folds, and overall VF. The certificate was issued to Peter Claesgens appointing him as a Captain in the 45th Regiment in the 21st Brigade of the 6th Division in New York State.


Certificate Vignette

Captain—Peter Claesgens was part of the 146th Regiment, NY Volunteer Infantry, By the war's end, he was promoted to Lieut. Colonel.

According to Civil War Civil War Newspaper Clippings, the One Hundred and Forty-Sixth has not been an idle Regiment. It has been on many fields, and done service in widely distant scenes. The following is a list of the Battles in which the Regiment has been engaged:—

1. Fredericksburg.

2. Chancellorsville.

3. Gettysburg.

4. Rappahannock Station.

5. Bristow Station.

6. Mine Run.

7. Williamsport.

8. Wapping Heights.

9. Wilderness.

10. Spottsylvania C. H.

11. Laurel Hill.

12. North Anna.

13. Tolopotomoy.

14. Bethesda Chnrch [sic].

15. Petersburg.

16. Weldon R. R.

17. Chapel House.

18. Hatchers Run, November 1 & 2.

19. Hicksford.

20. White Oak Road.

21. Five Forks.

22. Appomattox C. H., (Lee's Surrender.)

At the Battle of Five Forks, under SHERIDAN, it carried the works in front of it, capturing three times its own number in prisoners, and two battle flags.

ITS FLAGS. This regiment possesses three Stand of Colors. One, a State flag, having been borne through the campaigns of 1862-3, was returned to the State Capitol. Second, the United States Colors, which have bearded rebels in their pits and flaunted over conquered fields, is still carried in their ranks, tattered and torn. Third, a bright new stand of Stars and Stripes, is inscribed with the names of the various battles from Fredericksburg to Appomattox Court House, in which the Regiment has borne a conspicuous part.

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Edwin Denison Morgan (February 8, 1811 – February 14, 1883) was Governor of New York from 1859 to 1862 and served in the United States Senate from 1863 to 1869. He was the first and longest serving chairman of the Republican National Committee.

Morgan was born in Washington, Massachusetts on 8 February 1811. He began his business career as a grocer in Hartford, Connecticut. He became a partner with his uncle and served on the city council. In 1836 he relocated to New York City and became a successful wholesaler, broker, and banker. He was a city alderman, state senator (1850 -1853), and state commissioner of immigration.

Because of his wealth, Morgan became highly influential in Republican politics of his time and twice served as chairman of the Republican National Committee. Known for generous contributions to charities and causes, he contributed large sums to the Union Theological Seminary.

Edwin Morgan was a cousin to Morgan G. Bulkeley, a governor of Connecticut.

Morgan died in New York City on 14 February 1883.

History from Wikipedia and OldCompanyResearch.com (old stock certificate research service).